Oxidative stress in the newborn

Oxidative stress (OS) occurs when there is an unbalance between free radicals (FR) production and antioxidant capacity. OS can be a risk factor for fetal programming, representing a key process linking adverse fetal growth, impaired fetal well-being or preterm birth, and later increased risks of diseases in adolescence and adulthood. Adverse outcome to the offspring can extend beyond the neonatal period and includes neurodevelopmental disorders (motor and cognitive problems, attention deficit hyperactivity, and psychotic disorders), asthma, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart disease, and stroke. Free radicals can alter gene expression or damage lipids, proteins, and DNA at a critical developmental point leading to a higher susceptibility to many disorders.